Search

Abstract  The expected final reach of the Weakly Interacting Massive Particle (WIMP) search experiment CDMS-II by the end of 2007 is a WIMP-nucleon cross-section sensitivity of 2.1×10−44 cm2. To proceed further in our search, we have proposed the SuperCDMS Phase A project that would deploy 42 1-inch thick Ge detectors, at a site deeper than the location of CDMS II, and reach a desired sensitivity goal of 1.3×10−45 cm2. These cross-sections are of interest and are complementary to Supersymmetry searches at the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) and future linear colliders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract   The Cryogenic Dark Matter Search (CDMS) experiment is searching for Weakly Interacting Massive Particles (WIMPs) using detectors with the ability to discriminate between candidate (nuclear recoil) and background (electron recoil) events by measuring both phonon and ionization signals from recoils in the detector crystals. As CDMS scales up to greater WIMP sensitivity, it is necessary to increase the detector mass and further improve background discrimination. CDMS is engaged in ongoing fabrication and development of new detector designs in order to meet these criteria for the proposed SuperCDMS experiment. Thicker detector prototypes have been produced with new photolithographic masks. These masks have greater surface coverage of the quasi particle trap and transition edge sensor system to provide superior athermal phonon collection. Results from continuing laboratory tests are presented which already indicate improvement in discrimination parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]